Dr. Milton Mazer, the Vineyard's first psychiatrist whose pioneering work in the field of rural mental health led to the establishment of Martha's Vineyard Community Services more than four decades ago, died Jan. 7 at the Long Hill assisted living home in Edgartown, where he had been a resident for the past six years. The cause of death was renal failure; he was 95.

The Edgartown zoning board of appeals this week gave tentative approval to plans for an upscale members-only recreational facility in Katama called the Field Club - although the board stopped short of putting the plan to a vote.

Boatline Eases Coupon Rules

Steamship Authority Governors Adopt New Ticket Book Policy, Encouraging Foot Passengers to Use Discounted Fares

By IAN FEIN

Steamship Authority discount ticket book holders will now be able to share their passenger coupons with friends and family members and use more than one ticket on a single ferry trip, according to new regulations adopted by the boat line this week. Both practices were previously disallowed.

Property Tax Bills Are Out on Island: Edgartown Drops; Other Towns Rise

By IAN FEIN

Driven by ever-increasing municipal spending, average property tax bills in five of six Island towns rose yet again this year.

In an attempt to lift passenger numbers, the Steamship Authority is expected to ease restrictions on the use of ten-ticket discount books when governors meet on Tuesday.

Car and passenger traffic on the Vineyard run was flat in 2006. Statistics for the year to Dec. 21 show a rise in overall passenger traffic of just 0.2 per cent, with a sharp decline in the summer numbers, which were down for June, July and August by 5.8, 1.3 and 0.1 per cent respectively.

One young Island family's dream of building an affordable home on Chappaquiddick hit a roadblock last month when a Marblehead couple that owns a summer home next door purchased the land out from underneath them.